Roasted delicata squash (in the oven or air fryer)

Roasted delicata squash with rosemary is an easy side dish for Thanksgiving or any random weeknight.

Roast it in the oven, or cook in the air fryer. Vegan and gluten-free.

When the topic of squash comes up this time of year, invariably it’s pumpkin that gets all of the love.

Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, even pumpkin smoothies…

Pumpkin gets the fanfare, but delicata is easily my favorite.

This oblong, cream colored squash with green stripes is the one squash that goes into my shopping basket regularly in the cool months of fall and winter.

(It’s also nice to have around, because like other winter squashes, it’s very shelf stable. You can keep it in a cool, dry place for up to three months.)

Why is delicata squash the best?

It’s easy to cut.

Delicata tends to be smaller in size than a lot of other squashes.

So you don’t need to be a weightlifter to press a chef’s knife through it.

You don’t have to peel it.

With delicata, you can eat the skin. No worries about trying to cut off the cumbersome peel.

Plus, that means you get added texture, because it’s not just soft. The peel gets a little bit of chew to it.

It can easily go into savory dishes like a champ.

It is a mildly sweet squash that’s reminiscent of sweet potato.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this roasted or air fryer delicata squash recipe.

Delicata squash: Look for a squash that is firm and heavy. Avoid any that are blemished, soft, or bruised.

Extra virgin olive oil: A thin layer of oil helps with browning & to adhere seasonings.

Dried rosemary: Dried rosemary adds fragrant fall flavor. Fresh will also work equally well.

Salt: A pinch of salt brings it all to life.

Step by step instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe at a glance.

For complete instructions and ingredient amounts, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

To prepare roasted delicata squash, cut off both ends.

Slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds, just like you do with your Halloween jack o’ lantern.

(You can even roast the seeds in the air fryer!)

Then cut the squash into half moons.

Throw the slices on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Toss it with oil, rosemary, and salt.

Pop it into the oven for 20 minutes.

Flip the slices. Then roast for 10 minutes more.

Can you air fry delicata squash?

Yes!

Delicata squash cooks beautifully in the air fryer.

Cook the delicata half moons at 400 degrees for 9 to 12 minutes.

Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, because it won’t brown as evenly.

Cook in batches, if necessary.

How to use it

There are so many ways to enjoy delicata squash!

• Serve it on Thanksgiving in a salad with persimmons.
• Enjoy it in polenta stacks with cashew cream.
• Serve delicata instead of potatoes with vegan breakfast tacos.
• Have it on pizza with browned Field Roast apple sage sausages, caramelized onions, and sautéed kale.
• It’s also a fun addition to a fall-themed vegan cheeseboard.

Storage instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It will keep about 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer until warmed throughout.

Content updated November 12, 2022. Originally posted October 20, 2009.